Laco brings a contemporary splash of Blau to the Kiel.2 flieger chronograph
Tom Austin- Laco has unveiled a new dial variation for its successful Kiel.2 chronograph.
- Finished in a deep and purposeful sunray blue, the new dial brings a touch of dressy class to the military pilot’s piece.
- The Kiel.2 Blau arrives with either a smooth dark brown leather strap, or a sporty stainless steel multi-link bracelet.
In an era where a wristwatch’s technical purpose is arguably less relevant than ever, one style of watch remains extremely popular among both enthusiasts and those who partake in the activities it is designed for. Aeroplanes, like watches, have entered a digital age, where smart devices dominate and offer more up-to-date and complex information than their mechanical counterparts. However, the humble pilot’s watch is still carried by many aviators today, usually as a mechanical failsafe, allowing them to use time and airspeed to calculate positions, flight legs, and durations in the event of a primary instrument failure. One German brand in particular has a rich heritage in the aviation world, and is incredibly proud of it, as one of the five original licensed manufacturers of flieger watches for the German air force in WWII. Laco celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025, and for its latest piece, has introduced a new dial variation for its popular Flieger-style Kiel.2 chronograph, the Blau.
As you probably know, pilot’s watches are not typically small. The Kiel.2 sits bang in the middle of its close competitors, measuring 43mm in diameter and 14mm thick, constructed from sturdy stainless steel which is brushed on every surface for that functional appeal. The proportions are large and tool-like, bringing focus to the dial, which is protected by an anti-reflective-coated, double-domed sapphire crystal.
The case is flanked by two chronograph pushers and a large, onion-shaped crown, making it ideal for operation while wearing gloves, all of which contribute to a commendable 100 metres of water resistance. This results in a functional and practical chronograph, which, at this price point, is a welcome sight. For a touch more money, you can upgrade the crystal to have the coating on both sides as well.
The current Kiel.2 is available with either a traditional black dial or a striking white, and while both are fine options, they lack the flair that a bit of colour can offer. The new model brings a massive sunburst slab of deep, rich blue hues that shift in colour as you turn the watch on your wrist, bringing a touch of class to an otherwise more utilitarian watch. The contemporary blue is contrasted by luminescent Arabic hour markers and massive sword hands, making legibility pretty much perfect.
It’s a familiar look, for sure, bearing a striking resemblance to another rather popular pilot’s watch brand, and my only criticism here is that the new blue selection is probably a little too close to that other watch you’re thinking of right now. It is difficult, though, because the overall look is more about being close to the traditional pilot’s chronograph watch than being an homage to another brand. However, it would have been at least interesting to see a different colour chosen here rather than a practically direct replication, especially as Laco has some unique-looking fliegers in its back catalogue.
One advantage that a smaller brand has over its much larger competitors is the option for customisation. Differences in scales of manufacturing mean that smaller brands like Laco can offer a deeper level of options to their customers, which, if you’re into the more bespoke side of things, can be a big attraction. The Kiel.2 comes equipped with a relatively run-of-the-mill movement, based on a Sellita SW500 automatic chronograph; however, in this “Laco 500” guise, it is available in the “Elaboré” grade, or an upgraded “Top Grade” version with increased precision. The customisation doesn’t stop there, as both options are available with additional decorations, such as Geneva stripes and blue screws, and a special Laco rotor. This is a nice touch for those who like to see something a bit more interesting through the large sapphire exhibition case back.
Being based on an SW500a, the movement is a robust workhorse, with a 56-hour power reserve beating at 28,800vph, and at this price level, it’s a perfectly adequate chronograph movement. Still, I can’t help but think that, given the amount of customisation available, the option of choosing the even higher level COSC-certified chronometer movement from Sellita would have made sense. Perhaps this will be something we see from the brand in the future.
The finishing touches to the watch come in the form of two wrist-grabbing options, one being a smooth, dark brown leather strap, which is in a more contemporary style than the usual Laco offerings. The other option is an all-brushed stainless steel bracelet, which again, is a familiar-looking five-link affair, complete with a sporty folding clasp and classic hollow end links. While both options are nice and offer a good level of quality for the price, the bracelet is perhaps one area where the brand could have taken a more distinctive approach.
Laco Kiel.2 Blau price and availability
The Laco Kiel.2 Blau with stainless steel bracelet is available now, with the leather strap available to pre-order directly from Laco and authorised retailers. Price: €2,190 (leather), €2,290 (bracelet)
| Brand | Laco |
| Model | Kiel.2 Blau |
| Reference | 862186 (leather) 862186MB (bracelet) |
| Case Dimensions | 43mm (D) x 14mm (T) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Sunburst blue |
| Lug Width | 22mm |
| Bracelet | Stainless steel five-link bracelet, folding clasp Brown leather strap, steel pin buckle |
| Movement | Laco 500, Sellita SW500a base, automatic Elaboré or Top Grade options available |
| Power Reserve | 56 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, day, date, chronograph |
| Availability | Available now |
| Price | €2,190 (leather) €2,290 (bracelet) |